Ashley Young returned to the starting line-up in the previous clash against Chelsea after recovering from a knee injury, as the Red Devils managed to come back from three goals down to draw the game at Stamford Bridge. The winger would expect to continue in his position on the flank.

Tom Cleverley (ankle) and Nani (foot) are also both doubts for the blockbuster game against Liverpool, and the former is unlikely to make the starting line-up even if he regains full fitness due to a lack of first-team football. Chris Smalling missed the game against Chelsea and is a doubt for this game, and Rafael should continue at full-back if his team-mate does not return in time for the game against the Merseysiders.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish does not have too many injury-related concerns ahead of this game, with Lucas (knee) having already been ruled out for the rest of the season while Jack Robinson is nursing an ankle injury.

Jose Enrique missed the goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur due to a hamstring problem, but is thought to be on his way back to fitness. Even so, he remains a doubt for this clash.

DID YOU KNOW?

Manchester United have won 22 of their last 25 games at Old Trafford in the Premier League. But they were recently subject to defeat at the hands of Blackburn Rovers, who registered a 3-2 victory on New Year's Eve.

The last meeting between the two sides was at Anfield in the fourth round of the FA Cup in January. Saturday's visitors managed a 2-1 victory at Anfield that day.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men have lost only once in their last seven Premier League games against this opposition at Old Trafford.

But overall, United have beaten the Merseyside club 38 times in the league at home, losing on 15 occasions. A further 25 matches ended with points being shared.

If all matches had ended at half-time, Manchester United would have been at the top of the table with a two-point lead over Manchester City. For their part, Kenny Dalglish's men would have remained in seventh place.

Liverpool have won only one of their last five matches in the Premier League. This came in the form of a 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

The visitors have alternated conceding in two games then keeping two clean sheets for their last 11 away games. If this trend continues, Dalglish's men would keep a clean sheet at Old Trafford.

The Reds have conceded only 21 goals so far in the league this season. Barring Manchester City, they have the best defence in the top-flight.

Steven Gerrard (pictured right) has scored four times in his last five appearances in the Premier League against United.

Throughout the course of history, Liverpool have scored 238 goals and conceded 254 times against Manchester United.